Joan Cusack is an American actress and comedian known for her distinctive comedic presence and two Academy Award nominations. She gained public attention in May 2026 for making her first red carpet appearance in 11 years at the London premiere of Toy Story 5, where she reprised her beloved voice role as the cowgirl Jessie .
Quick Facts
Full Name: Joan Mary Cusack
Age: 63 (born October 11, 1962)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Actress, Comedian
Known For: Oscar-nominated performances in Working Girl and In & Out; voice of Jessie in the Toy Story franchise; Sheila Jackson on Shameless
Marital Status: Married to Richard Burke (since 1996)
Children: Two sons – Dylan John and Miles
Early Life and Background
Joan Cusack was born in New York City and raised in Evanston, Illinois, into a prominent acting family . Her father, Dick Cusack, was an actor and filmmaker, and her siblings include brother John Cusack and sister Ann Cusack, both successful actors . She studied at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating in 1984, before launching her entertainment career .
Career and Achievements
Cusack began her career as the first female cast member to be contracted as a regular on Saturday Night Live in the 1985–1986 season . Her film breakthrough came with Working Girl (1988), earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress . She received a second Oscar nomination for In & Out (1997) .
Since 1999, Cusack has voiced Jessie, the spirited cowgirl doll, in the Toy Story franchise, appearing in Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, Toy Story 4, and the upcoming Toy Story 5 . For her voice work, she won an Annie Award . Other notable film roles include Addams Family Values (1993), Runaway Bride (1999), and School of Rock (2003) .
From 2011 to 2015, she starred as Sheila Jackson on the Showtime series Shameless, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance .
Why She Is In the News
Cusack is in the news after stepping onto the red carpet at the Toy Story 5 premiere in London on May 28, 2026 her first red carpet appearance since 2015 . The 63-year-old actress stunned in a white button-down shirt tucked into a flowing black maxi skirt, paired with black-rimmed glasses . She was joined by co-stars Tom Hanks and Tim Allen to promote the fifth installment of the beloved Pixar franchise, which hits theaters June 19 .
Conclusion
Joan Cusack is a two-time Oscar-nominated actress and Emmy winner whose career spans four decades. Her rare public appearance marks a celebration of her return as Jessie in Toy Story 5, reminding audiences why she remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved character actors.
